Dagnabbit, it's turning out to be useful.

Recently jmaynard got a new cell phone provider and a new phone (actually, what he got is more of a computer that happens to have a phone in it) and also got a low-end phone for me to use on a second line with shared minutes. We've had a similar arrangement for about a year with the last provider. The change is that the basic phone isn't a basic phone any more.

I really didn't use the last phone that much. I had it with me when I traveled and that was about it. If it did more than be a phone with a list of numbers, I didn't take advantage of that. Heck, I doubt I even added or changed any of the numbers as it was Jay's old phone and I got it when he upgraded before.

The new phone, the Nokia 6010, is considered pretty low-end nowadays. Low end includes a phone and number list, of course. And text messaging, which is no surprise. And a simple calculator, a calendar that can hold notes, an AIM client, an alarm clock, I think there might be web browser if that was enabled but I'm not sure. There's also the ability to have voice-activated dialing for some numbers. That is somewhat useful. Rather than fiddle around with the contact list to find the right name and the right number, I can hold a button for a bit and say, "Jay - cellular" for example and have it dial.

I've been carrying the phone around with me recently as Jay is traveling and the mobile-to-mobile calls don't burn connection minutes. Last night when I did laundry I used the alarm clock function as a reminder of when things would need attention. I've found that the LCD backlight throws just enough light for just long enough that it illuminates where I put my glasses down before going to sleep. Sure, both of those aren't that much, but I'm starting to see why folks would want to have a phone or PDA with them.

That bothers me a bit. Carrying a phone with me at almost all times is something I've been avoiding. Granted, only a few folks have the number and I intend to keep it that way. I prefer the house line when I'm at home and so I don't want the cell number considered my primary number. I also don't want to get to the point where I'll really want to get something fancier.

I did go and get a couple accessories to make using the phone a bit easier. I now have a belt pouch and a sort of drop-in charger which is just a stand that uses the wall-charger that comes with the phone. When Jay got the phone he also got the mobile charger and a small travel charger. The 6010 also seems to have a fairly long standby time. But I still have a 3x5 card in my wallet with a few important numbers written down. I don't have to recharge that.